Jodie Mikula Orchestra

Jodie Mikula organized the Jodie Mikula Orchestra in 1967. Three of the original band members are still performing with the band. It is one of the few family bands now performing in Texas.

The original band members include Jodie Mikula's sons Ken who played the lead cornet and tenor sax, Nick who played second cornet and alto sax, and Andy who played the bass horn. Rosie Mikula (wife of Jodie) played percussion and Jodie Mikula and Frank Mikula (uncle of Jodie) played accordions.

On December 19, 1989, Jodie Mikula passed away. The greatest tribute Jodie's family can offer to their beloved is to continue his love of music. His family knew the music must go on.

Over the years several changes have occurred in band members. The present band members are: Ken Mikula - lead cornet, tenor sax, baritone horn, trombone, vocals and Band Leader; Nick Mikula - second cornet, alto sax, lead guitar, alto horn, vocals and Booking Manager; Andy Mikula - percussion and Band Manager; Mike Marek - electric bass, bass horn, accordion; Charlie Patak, accordion, cornet, tenor sax, trombone and rhythm guitar; and, Pat Zapletal - piano.

Since most of the band members can play different instruments, this gives the Jodie Mikula Orchestra versatility in the type of music they play. The band is of Czech decent and play mainly polkas and waltzes. They also add to their repertoire country and western, rock and roll, and big band music.

On July 30, 1989, the Jodie Mikula Orchestra departed on the First Annual Polka Cruise to the Caribbean. Due to the great response, the band hosted a Polka Cruise in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995 and 2000 to various Caribbean ports.

In 1990 a Posthumous Award to a Pioneer Polka Band Leader With a Lifetime of Dedication to Polka Dance Music was presented to the Jodie Mikula Orchestra by the Texas Polka Music Association (TPMA) on behalf of the accomplishments of Jodie Mikula. The following year (1991) the Jodie Mikula Orchestra received the following awards from the TPMA: Band of the Year, Best Vocal Duo/Trio (Ken and Nick Mikula), and Album of the Year (Hot Favorites). During the 1993 TPMA Awards, the band received the following awards: Song of the Year (The Klobase Polka, an original composition by the band members), New Album of the Year (Jodie Mikula Orchestra Presents "The Klobase Polka") and Best Vocals Band.

In June 1996, the Jodie Mikula Orchestra performed at the First Annual Lawrence Welk Polka Festival in Branson, MO. There was a band competition judged by celebrities such as Myron Floren, Larry Welk Jr., The Lennon Sisters, Jo Ann Castle and others. The Jodie Mikula Orchestra tied for first place. One of the honors bestowed to the winners was to perform with Myron Floren in the Lawrence Welk Show that evening.

Through the years, the band has traveled throughout the State of Texas and the nation performing for dances, festivals and special celebrations. A few of these include:

The National Polka Festival in Ennis, Texas
The West Fest in West, Texas
The Klobase and Kolache Fests in Dallas, Texas
Polka & Sausage Festival in Hallettsville, Texas
The Sesquicentennial Czech Music Symposium in Bryan, Texas
Valley of the Sun Polka Festival in Laughlin, Nevada
Accordion Kings in Austin, Texas
Octoberfest at Trader's Village in Grand Prairie, Texas
Kansas Polkatennial in Wichita, Kansas
Desert Rose Polka Days in Tucson, Arizona
Southwest Polka at Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
First & Second Annual Lawrence Welk Polka Festival in Branson, Missouri
St. Louis Metro Polka Club's Polka Festival in St. Louis, Missouri
Southwest Polka Party at Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
Fun & Sun RV Resort in San Benito, Texas
Texas Heritage Festival-Six Flags Over Texas
Night in Old Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg, Texas

The Jodie Mikula Orchestra now in its 37th year appreciates all the support given by their loyal fans. The band always strives to bring the best of polka music for your listening and dancing enjoyment.